| Cover | 12 Months Ended |
| Jan. 15, 2021 | |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 15, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | HC2 HOLDINGS, INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35210 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 54-1708481 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 450 Park Avenue |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 29th Floor |
| Entity Address, City or Town | New York |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NY |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 10022 |
| City Area Code | 212 |
| Local Phone Number | 235-2690 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | HCHC |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001006837 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
